I have my Celestion Alnico Cream Back in a modified subwoofer cabinet. I run it with or without the stock Oxford 12T. In addition I'm currently running a celestion vintage 30 engle cabinet in tandem with the cream back using a THD power attenuator on the zero attenuation setting. I kinda like the engle sound more. it has more girth. The cream back has more clarity the Oxford just sounds meh u less I use a pedal to awaken it's treble register.
Love all the great info, and hearing what the pro's use. I will be checking out those top picks for sure. I made a custom 4 x 10 cab and have been using eminence 1028 legends, and been liking them for the clarity.
All the Speakers sounded good, and fairly similar. I've noticed that when listening to music that might sound too bright/trebly or to dark/bassy, after about 10-30 seconds they tend to sound "normal." There is a well-documented phenomenon in auditory perception research known as Auditory Adaptation or, more specifically, "Spectral adaptation". It refers to the process by which our perception of sound changes over time with continued exposure to a stimulus. It's something worth keeping in mind when tone hunting. 😎
Thanks for video. I put a Weber AlNiCo in my Feb 1965 Deluxe Reverb. Sounds fantastic. Also put a Weber ceramic in a cabinet to run as an alternative or together. Also great. Plenty of options.
I love the Weber Alnico 12A150A (half inch voice coil) in my 64 Deluxe Reverb amp! IMO the Weber Ceramic 12F125A (quarter inch voice coil) sounds much like the mid 60's Jensen C12Q ceramic. While it is rare to find a blackface Deluxe Reverb with a "factory original ceramic Jensen speaker," the very few examples that I have seen in the past 40 years were indeed with the Jensen C12Q (quarter inch voice coil). Generally though, I prefer alnico magnet speakers in the Deluxe Reverb to boost the mids a bit. I have never seen a blackface Deluxe Reverb with a factory original alnico magnet speaker.
In 1988 I bought my modded 1964 Deluxe from the late, great Ken Fischer of Trainwreck Circuits. It came with an early model Rola Celestion speaker. It sounded so incredible that I never changed it.
This was both fun and highly informative. Having all your buds chime in was icing on the cake. I remember a fews years back when Eminence introduced the EJ speaker at NAMM. Eric was doing a demo and was getting a terrific tone out of whatever amp he was using that day. Nobody ever seems to mention the EJ anymore but the GA SC64 seems to be getting it's fair share of attention. Yeara ago the Cannabis Rex was supposed to be THE speaker for Deluxe Reverb amps for getting beautiful clean tones. Not sure where it ranks today.
Nice video. Just yesterday trying to pick the best speaker for the Deluxe Reverb and Princeton Reverb. We came to the consensus that the Allesandro 12 was best in the PRINCETON. Our choice for the Deluxe Reverb was the Celestion G12 V type 70 Watt. Note the Deluxe had been modified with a Mercury Magnetics PT. All some variation of the same theme. Very interesting comments regarding cab size. We did discuss cabinet size as you too mentioned. We also talked about 10 in vs 12 in the Princeton cab. I have used a Celestion 10 , 80th anniversary and it sounded great, but the consensus was that a 12 is preferred in the Princeton. Have also tried a G. Allesandro 10 inch in the Princeston. That was pretty good too.
I've been producing music and a studio owner in Tennessee for 30yrs and the WGS ET65 is exactly the sound I am aiming for 90% of the time. The rest is usually V30s in a closed back cab or the occasional highly stylized speaker (like something swampy etc)
I love the gold, but not a fan of blackface amps. 😂. Was a Boogie guy for 25 years, tweeds for 20 and I’ve just moved to Vox via a Morgan AC40 Deluxe CS head. 🎉🎉
I’ve got the wine and wheat 65 reissue with the 40w Jensen P12Q Alnico, and I love it. Why? Because for home use, it has a super low speaker sensitivity of 93db, and it reaches max volume around 6, and after that it just gets more overdriven. It breaks up much sooner, but still has enough headroom around 4 like a regular deluxe reverb, but it’s much quieter, which makes it excellent for home use. It’s quieter than most Princetons. The P12Q itself is replicating the vintage Jensen sound, and it has it in spades. I’ve heard the Jensen blackbird 40 is awesome too, but I haven’t tried it. The P12Q has a very textured sound compared to most other speakers…..almost like it has layers of harmonic sound subtitles much like other vintage speakers.
Recently picked up a Lil’ King used which has a WGS G12C 75watts. Very clean. Your video has convinced me to buy the GA64 to try out for myself. Will also test the Jensen which came out of a Tone Master Deluxe Rev and the Neo Creamback which replaced it. Great fun ahead. Thanks for the inspiration. Keep up the good work.
ET65 for me out of these 3. The neck pickup especially sounded fantastic. I have a C.Rex in my DRRI and no reason to change, but if I do, the Warehouse will be a top consideration. I can see a part 2 in the future...
Zac, this was such a great and extremely valuable episode. Thank you for making it. I went though many speakers for my 65 Deluxe reverb, including many mentioned here. Best I found was the Jupiter 12LC with the paper VC, as you mentioned. That is, until I found a ‘60’s Jensen C12N. For me, the extra midrangey soeaker felt like they were fighting the amps natural voicing. The Jensen let’s that scooped sound just naturally breathe. As Uncle Larry says, the best sound is to pair a DR with a Tweed Deluxe and they fill in the frequencies the other is missing.
I’ve got a 30w super clean 2x6L6 amp and having had all usual suspects: V30, Greenback, C12K, C12N, P12N, C-Rex, WGS Blackbird Alnico and Eminence Alessandro GA-SC64, the one which I have settled on is: Celestion G12-65 Heritage. My amp can get very glassy/trebly, so the Alessandro just brings more of that to the table, in my ear’s opinion. The Celestion just fits in perfectly. With it, my speaker quest (which I’ve very enjoyed) came to an end.
Speakers in a DRRI: I thought it was just me! My 1993 example came with a Weber C12N (not a speaker I can find since, presumably a Jensen clone?). I joined a blues band a few years ago, wanting a warmer tone, and followed your advice, fitting a Celestion V30, great all-round tones! But my amp has always sounded bright (despite bright cap being clipped etc.) so, being mainly a single-coil player, I've fitted a WGS G12C/S which has made a further difference. Will see how it goes, only immediate downside is maybe it sounds a tad muddy with humbuckers. But the amp now produces warmer tones at low volumes, retaing the Fender chime to a large extent.
It’s so interesting in that speaker choice is one of those really subjective things - I had a Vintage 30 in a Deluxe and never liked it, yet it was the top choice here. My pick would be the Cannabis Rex (when I switched out the V30 for that I was shocked & delighted at the difference it made). But different strokes for different folks… thanks for the video, enjoyed it.
Incredible session Zac! I have never seen a more thorough review of speakers for any amp. I love how you got the opinions of so many great players that actually use specific speakers in their deluxe reverbs. This is a masterclass in how to make a video about speaker comparisons. Way to go!
The best speaker I have found for my Deluxe is a Mesa 90 watt 12 inch. I believe it is privately labeled for Mesa by Celestion but it has the perfect amount of highs/lows and can hold up to any amount of volume you want to throw at it with pedals. Best ever in my opinion. Not sure if they are still made but you can gig them forever and never have a worry.
I have a C90 in my Mesa/Boogie Electra Dyne 1x12 combo. It sounds amazing. It's my favorite amp. It's also my heaviest amp. Deluxe Reverb is second favorite, or if I'm playing clean it's unbeatable. I still have the stock Jensen 100 watt speaker in my DRRi.
This video is so timely for me as I’m looking for replacement speaker for the deluxe and I have heard Kenny Vaughns choice before , which is why I was going to choose now I’m reevaluating! Thank you!
I selected the second as best sounding, the first as second best, and the third as 3rd - in every example. What stood out for me was the clarity and balance compared to the other two.
I liked the tone of road worn vintage Jensen P12N in my BF DR. So I found another and put it in my Magic Vibro Prince. The watt and cabinet size definitely makes a difference. And the BF DR has an amazing chimey texture at lower volumes.
The original oxford 12k 5-6. Period. I have a couple that I use in a 65 deluxe non reverb and that original speaker takes the cake imo. Great vid Zack!
I recently put an ET65 in my 70s Deluxe Reverb, rotating out a WGS G12C/S. My take on the difference is that the ET65 has a tighter and clearer tone, but still warm. When I hit the low E it just jumps out, and is wonderful. My friend described it as "girthy". Style: Twangy country with light strings on a Tele.
I’m a Jensen fan, and I especially like the LMI or “Lifetime” series. They came in 10’s, 12’s and 15’s and I think they were originally designed as a bass speaker. The have a bell cover over the magnet and crinkly blue-grey paint. They have that feathery Jensen sound mixed with the bell-like tones of a Celestion. When I overdrive my 65 Deluxe Reverb the tone is incredible. It helps that the bias on the amp is set up higher than the factory specs.
Excellent Princeton to Deluxe cabinet size explanation to inform speaker selection. The referencing of acoustic guitar body size.is brilliant. This is true regardless of playing style.
Great video! I loved the Alessandro in these clips. For anyone interested in Vintage 30’s check out Austin speaker works. I came across a vintage 30 that they “retoned” and I replaced the original vintage 30 in a divided by 13 amp with the ASW and it just sounds that little bit nicer all around. Really smooth sounding, which is how I would’ve described the Alessandro in these clips.
I have a Fender Custom 64 Deluxe. I swapped out the stock Jensen with an Eminence GA-SC64 and it is wonderful. I did think about the Jupiter 50 watt Ceramic but I am happy with the choice. Very classic Fender sound!
Just bought a used DRRI that came with an Eminence fender branded speaker . Swapped in a Webber California with the metal dust cap. It's not a JBL120 but it sure is close and brand new . Loving it. Great episode.
I’m a sucker for a speaker that isn’t too loud, but isn’t weak or thin sounding. Jensen Blackbird 40 is incredible, like a modern tweaked P12Q AlNiCo. Silverbird is the ceramic version, and it is no slouch! ToneSpeak seems to have the best speakers for Deluxes if you want high efficiency- the Austin is like a more sensitive/tighter evolution of the Alessandro, and the New Orleans is a a tighter/more articulate evolution of the Cannabis Rex. I say evolution just because not only are they improved, but designed by the same man who designed the C-Rex & GASC64. The guy used to work for Eminence, and later started ToneSpeak. Really killer stuff! I loved this video, I’ve done a couple dozen speaker swaps in the past few years. Currently running a Jensen Silverbird 12 in one deluxe, and the other has a Jensen C12Q. So many great speakers out there these days.
Zac, as always really enjoyed the episode. All the speakers are great. I like the Vintage 30 but replaced it in my 66 Deluxe with the Celestion G12 Neo Creamback to reduce the weight. Much less stress on the old back. Lonnie Stout
I've tried a made in UK Vintage 30, a Jensen C12Q, a Fender (Eminence) 100 Watt and a Carvin (Eminence) GT12-8. Recently I made a 10" baffle board that attaches to the original baffle using the 8 studs and installed a Jensen MOD 10-50 speaker. The cabinet dimensions of the Deluxe Reverb seems perfect for a 10". None of the lows are lost, and the amp is considerably lighter than with a big magnet 12". If more volume is needed, I have an external 2 x 10" cab with Weber 10A125 alnico's. Kind of like a low watt Vibrolux Reverb.
I’ve never owned a Deluxe Reverb. I did own a Blues Jr and it came with a Jenson C 12N speaker and it always sounded wonderful to me. I realize they are different amps. Anyway, I gave it to a friend as a Christmas gift so I get to play it every once in a while and it still sounds great. I always enjoy your video Zac!
I've owned a BF Deluxe Reverb for years. Bought it back when you didn't have to sell a kidney to get one! I bet I have spent almost as much on speakers as I did on the amp. Put an Eminence Cannabis Rex in and never looked back. Great video.
I have a Fender Custom Deluxe ‘68 RI and I love the Celestion Creamback G12H-75 that I put in it. My favorite after trying out quite a few different ones.
The WGS sounded fuller on the low end than the other two, a bit more smokey. I liked the Alessandro there the most, which surprised me, because in my DRRI speaker shootout, the Alessandro came in 2nd to a Celestion Gold - just a wonderful speaker. Try one if you get a chance, you may not come back ;) I have a Laney Cub 10 (6v6 version) and I stuffed a Celestion Gold 10 into that thing - I call it my Baby Deluxe - it holds its own.
Outstanding vid. I have a Vintage Sound MVP 40. A 40 watt Ab 763 amp that came with a WGS C12c. When gigging I find that speaker to be too ice picky. Almost hard on the ears. I've been looking for a replacement and I think I'm going to go with the WGS ET65. Thank you!
There's so many really good 12" speakers we can choose from now. It's almost hard to go wrong. The Jupiter 12LC-P and M12C-P get my vote for the most "vintage" sounding. All the rest are great though.
Another great video Zac. The difference in the speakers was probably more obvious in the room before the UA-cam compression, but it was still audible, especially on the neck pickup. When I was at Guitar One, Eminence sent over two 4x12 cabinets with 8 different 12-inch models in them, along with a clunky switching system that looked like it was from the 40s. Using the same head, the difference between the models was like playing through a new amp each time; it was revelatory. Before buying a new amp, definitely try changing the speaker. Also kudos for mentioning the part the size of the cabinet plays. When I worked at Rudy’s we plugged a boxy Seymour Duncan combo into a Jim Kelly’s more deluxe shaped cabinet and the improvement was massive.
I’ve had quite a few speakers in my Deluxe Reverb. The Jensen c12K, ET-65, Alnico Blue, EV 12 (vintage), creamback, and finally the Allesandro. The Allesandro is the best to my ears. Second best is the EV. They are honestly close, but the EV is a little more harsh.
I’ve tried all the speakers mentioned but settled on a ‘59 Jensen P12N organ pull. Second place is a Weber 12A125 which is Weber’s Jensen P12Q clone. While it’s absolutely true Fender didn’t install Jensen speakers in the Blackface era what most people don’t know today is there has been a long standing “tradition” of installing organ pull ‘50s Jensens into the ‘60’s Blackface era amps.
The original Oxford 12k5-6 in my 64 DR sounds awesome. Like you mention, they’re not rated for high wattage and thus have a tendency to blow. As a result I decided to box mine up and instead use a Jupiter 12-LA, which I’ve loved.
A British blues man recommended a Weber British Blues Dog with pre rolla. I had no idea what to expect. I'm primarily a slide player. Amp sounds great. A simple distortion pedal, MXR distortion 3, allows some nice adjustment to the "sweetness". My only pedal.
One speaker that surprised me in a deluxe was a classic lead 80. It's not one you hear of a whole lot but it was in a rebuilt 68 by Mike Kennedy of Komet amps.
@MrGibsn1960 Not surprising. My understanding is that speaker is very close to both the Mesa C90 (Black Shadow) and Two Rock’s 12-65b proprietary speaker. Great lineage, probably sounds killer in a Deluxe.
The "Zac" shirt is the most all-around speaker (flattest response) ... the other two have a little mid-range 'quack" that would work well for specialized requirements. Hopefully, I can keep this short ... I have a '77 DR in a MojoTone cab. It came to me with a Super Twin 12. I immediately put in a BF ToneClone OT from Magnetic Components. The amp sounded really good, thicker than most DR's. But I recently had all those '77 parts swapped out for Mallory vintage tone and coupling caps and silver micas. Also installed a Celestion 90 watt Black Shadow I had hanging around. Holy cow, the sound. More like what a DR is, very articulate and loud as all get out. Ordered a 5Y3 rectifier to see if I can put a little harmonic dirt into this little creature; but geez, it sounds great! And I've told Celestion to 8-hole their speakers ... they actually did it for most of their TENS. Weber is not to be ignored, especially their Legacy Alnico with a hemp cone! Well said, on those speaker cab sizes. Interesting show! (Mr. Five Watt World had a good idea, what?)
Wow! Timely. I have a Fender Deluxe Reverb II, in which I blew the original speaker. Don’t remember why, but the local shop replaced the speaker with a very heavy JBL. Changed the dynamic of the amp. Been daydreaming here lately, of putting something in, closer to the original. Thanks for giving me some options to listen to!
@HamzaJamzaFamza Yep. It isn't all that great for OD, at least with pedals, but I kinda prefer the more HiFi sound anyway. I find it sounds best with natural tube breakup versus pedal OD in the BF DR that I built.
I have a Limited Edition Fender 65 Princeton Reverb Knotty Pine. Came with a Celestion Alnico Cream (90w). Sounded great but then I tried a Jupiter 12LC and that stayed in that amp forever. Then I found another Knotty Pine Limited Edition so I tried the Allesandro 64. Wow. Sounds just great! When I compare, I feel like the Jupiter 12LC takes overdrive with more authority with its somewhat strong midrange. Lastly, I just connected the Allesandro GA64 to my Fender 64 Deluxe Reverb Handwired and WOW. LOVE IT! I have a very well broken in Jensen C12Q in that amp that is very classic sounding. But the GA64 took it another level. The Jupiter 12LC in the Deluxe changed the dynamic character that didn't work for me.
I tried the Blackbird 40, and it was the only thing I liked better than a Jensen P12Q. Blackbird 100 would be a lot smoother and more full and warm in the midrange. It would be top shelf for sure
Lots of great information in this episode! I’ve been trying for decades to find out the character variations in different speakers. I’ve never owned a Deluxe Reverb-I’m more of a Twin Reverb guy-but I’ve been considering a ToneMaster Deluxe Reverb. I’d probably bite the bullet and get the ToneMaster Twin. Somebody-I can’t remember who-makes a neodymium speaker that’s supposed to sound like an EVM12L-I wonder how that would sound in a Deluxe? I remember liking the sound of the EV SRO12s in a Twin that a friend of mine had in the late ‘60s-but that thing weighed about 90 pounds! The ToneMaster Deluxe with that neo speaker would make a nice lightweight amp, and with my lack of mobility these days, a Twin would probably be overkill for home use. Of course, the ToneMaster does have the attenuator, and the Deluxe doesn’t have a midrange control, which I’m used to having. I guess I’ll have to take a Tele to a Fender dealer and try one for myself! I have determined from watching demos online that I prefer the sound of the black ToneMasters to the blonde ones, in both the Twin and Deluxe formats. So many options…maybe I shoud just get a Quilter Mach III and have done with it!
Pretty happy I bought a ET65 today, before this video, cause it sounded great. Have used the GA64 for a long time. Its good, but aways it like “something” is lacking. Pretty sure its “chime”. Great video
It’s the green shirt speaker for me, out of the three. My Carr Rambler has an Eminence built Jensen N (?) Blue label. Good and interesting show! Thx, my friend!
My late '66 Deluxe Reverb has a vintage Jensen C12N-A--with a 1966 date code, which sounds really great. But to preserve it and to be able to push the amp a bit harder I put in a Jupiter 12LC-P and its a nearly identical sound! As a big fan of 80s LA studio guitarists... Ive been interested in trying an Altec 417 8H or an EV or JBL from that era. I really like the sound of that ET65, and they are quite affordable too. Speaker swapping is the best bang for the buck in changing the sound of an amp.
Great demo! My favorites were 1-3-2. I really wanted to like the Alessandro (2) But it sounded a little compressed and less chime. I have the Eminence, red, white, and blues in my Deluxe, replacing the original speaker. I wanted to tame the highs but have since clip the bright cap. Still pretty satisfied with the RWB. My Princeton came with the Cannabis Rex and it sounds great.
Great Video! I have a Deluxe Reverb Reissue. I am using the GASC40 which is great. I used to use a vintage 30, G12h30, WGS G12C/S but the reissues didnt really have the vintage scoop like the old ones. The GASC40 is my choice for the reissues. I still have the Vintage 30 if i ever get the chance to purchase an old one.
The ET65 is a solid choice, but I’m surprised no one suggested the eminence swamp thang, I’ve installed them in many deluxe reverbs over the years, I’ve owned The Alessandro speaker and couldn’t stand it lol
Thanks. I acquired a near mint black face Deluxe Reverb a few years ago. It came with a 70’s installed Altec Lansing. I had an impossible job of choosing a replacement speaker for it. I wish I had this available then.
Cannabis Rex in my 57 tweed. I wasn't too cork-sniffy when I decided to try it. I have the original that had been reconed and it was too ratty. The eminence speaker was an improvement over that and I've stuck with it. I have some other cabinets with other speakers and I find a green back to be pretty good in a bigger cabinet but a bit strong on the mids in the smaller cabinets. I also have a 16 ohm Cannabis Rex and a Warehouse Green Beret in a fender 2x12 cabinet for a blend of mids an more mellow. 8 ohms is a little more versatile.
This is easy and just like any of my amps and the answer is..whatever sounds good to you! That’s what is the most important. Trial and error until you find what is good to your ears!🤘
Great episode. Love the GA in my 68 DRRI. Compared to the stock Celestion it came with it has better definition and is slighty tigher on the bottom end.
Was screaming black shirt, black shirt… All three tones sound great. Shocked how many like the c-rex, have not ran It in a my deluxe , but in the PR, it was way way too dark for me. The ga64 runs in my PR, so I think I have a bias for the black shirt? My deluxe runs a Weber California, paper dust cap, but really don’t use that amp as much as the PR. Thank you Zac, a wealth of knowledge here. Many things to try in the DR.
I’ve put the original Utah/Pyle speaker back into my original 1965 Deluxe Reverb… after trying the Celestion Alnico Cream. I found the Celestion too wooly for a Strat or Tele… I prefer the ‘edginess’ of the old Utah. If I do change again… I’m going for a Warehouse speaker - as they sound wonderful in my ‘66 Pro Reverb
WGS, Weber, Eminence, Celestion, Jupiter, (only if it's made in Chicago Jensen), and my personal favorite, a vintage Carboneau. Old Truetones are nice too. I am NOT a Vintage 30 fan. Carboneau was bought out by some guy named James Rockford before Rockford Fosgate, back when his company was called Precision Power International or PPI. They are like a very warm Altec Lansing.
I put a vintage 30 in my deluxe reverb per your advice and it definitely made it sound better to my ears louder more mids and huge sounding the jenson was fine but fenders in general with Celestion’s sound amazing
Found out the hard way the Vintage 30 didn’t fit (4 holes) put a Celestian Cream and never looked back. Awesome video Zac!
I have my Celestion Alnico Cream Back in a modified subwoofer cabinet.
I run it with or without the stock Oxford 12T. In addition I'm currently running a celestion vintage 30 engle cabinet in tandem with the cream back using a THD power attenuator on the zero attenuation setting.
I kinda like the engle sound more. it has more girth. The cream back has more clarity the Oxford just sounds meh u less I use a pedal to awaken it's treble register.
Bridge PU
WGS ET65 4:55, Allesandro SC64 5:12, Vintage 30 5:28
Neck PU
ET65 5:44, SC64 5:55, V30 6:06 ET65 6:18, SC64 6:36, V30 6:56
Love all the great info, and hearing what the pro's use. I will be checking out those top picks for sure. I made a custom 4 x 10 cab and have been using eminence 1028 legends, and been liking them for the clarity.
All the Speakers sounded good, and fairly similar. I've noticed that when listening to music that might sound too bright/trebly or to dark/bassy, after about 10-30 seconds they tend to sound "normal." There is a well-documented phenomenon in auditory perception research known as Auditory Adaptation or, more specifically, "Spectral adaptation". It refers to the process by which our perception of sound changes over time with continued exposure to a stimulus. It's something worth keeping in mind when tone hunting. 😎
Fascinating info!
True. I have noticed that myself.
Makes sense.
I guess that might lead to the familiar "ear fatigue" phenomena that sets in under the right conditions. 🤔
Thanks for video. I put a Weber AlNiCo in my Feb 1965 Deluxe Reverb. Sounds fantastic. Also put a Weber ceramic in a cabinet to run as an alternative or together. Also great. Plenty of options.
I love the Weber Alnico 12A150A (half inch voice coil) in my 64 Deluxe Reverb amp! IMO the Weber Ceramic 12F125A (quarter inch voice coil) sounds much like the mid 60's Jensen C12Q ceramic. While it is rare to find a blackface Deluxe Reverb with a "factory original ceramic Jensen speaker," the very few examples that I have seen in the past 40 years were indeed with the Jensen C12Q (quarter inch voice coil). Generally though, I prefer alnico magnet speakers in the Deluxe Reverb to boost the mids a bit. I have never seen a blackface Deluxe Reverb with a factory original alnico magnet speaker.
In 1988 I bought my modded 1964 Deluxe from the late, great Ken Fischer of Trainwreck Circuits. It came with an early model Rola Celestion speaker. It sounded so incredible that I never changed it.
This was both fun and highly informative. Having all your buds chime in was icing on the cake. I remember a fews years back when Eminence introduced the EJ speaker at NAMM. Eric was doing a demo and was getting a terrific tone out of whatever amp he was using that day.
Nobody ever seems to mention the EJ anymore but the GA SC64 seems to be getting it's fair share of attention. Yeara ago the Cannabis Rex was supposed to be THE speaker for Deluxe Reverb amps for getting beautiful clean tones. Not sure where it ranks today.
Ev 12l here ala Pete Anderson. Sounds great to my ears....
Nice video. Just yesterday trying to pick the best speaker for the Deluxe Reverb and Princeton Reverb. We came to the consensus that the Allesandro 12 was best in the PRINCETON. Our choice for the Deluxe Reverb was the Celestion G12 V type 70 Watt. Note the Deluxe had been modified with a Mercury Magnetics PT. All some variation of the same theme. Very interesting comments regarding cab size. We did discuss cabinet size as you too mentioned. We also talked about 10 in vs 12 in the Princeton cab. I have used a Celestion 10 , 80th anniversary and it sounded great, but the consensus was that a 12 is preferred in the Princeton. Have also tried a G. Allesandro 10 inch in the Princeston. That was pretty good too.
I'm sticking with my old JBL's.
Only with paper dust cap.
Just commented the same, myself. I could only afford an E-120 in the DR clone that I built. It's fantastic.
I've been producing music and a studio owner in Tennessee for 30yrs and the WGS ET65 is exactly the sound I am aiming for 90% of the time. The rest is usually V30s in a closed back cab or the occasional highly stylized speaker (like something swampy etc)
Love it!
Surprised there was no love for the Celestion Gold, absolutely love that speaker in my 64 Deluxe.
I love the gold, but not a fan of blackface amps. 😂. Was a Boogie guy for 25 years, tweeds for 20 and I’ve just moved to Vox via a Morgan AC40 Deluxe CS head. 🎉🎉
The Gold is THE speaker for the DRRI. Have a Blue in my Princeton too...
I’ve got the wine and wheat 65 reissue with the 40w Jensen P12Q Alnico, and I love it. Why? Because for home use, it has a super low speaker sensitivity of 93db, and it reaches max volume around 6, and after that it just gets more overdriven. It breaks up much sooner, but still has enough headroom around 4 like a regular deluxe reverb, but it’s much quieter, which makes it excellent for home use. It’s quieter than most Princetons. The P12Q itself is replicating the vintage Jensen sound, and it has it in spades. I’ve heard the Jensen blackbird 40 is awesome too, but I haven’t tried it. The P12Q has a very textured sound compared to most other speakers…..almost like it has layers of harmonic sound subtitles much like other vintage speakers.
Have one and agree- brings headroom down and still has great cleans-a couple guys heard mine and switched from ceramic. A few did blow though.
Recently picked up a Lil’ King used which has a WGS G12C 75watts. Very clean. Your video has convinced me to buy the GA64 to try out for myself. Will also test the Jensen which came out of a Tone Master Deluxe Rev and the Neo Creamback which replaced it.
Great fun ahead. Thanks for the inspiration. Keep up the good work.
Do let us know how it compares to the WGS G12C
ET65 for me out of these 3. The neck pickup especially sounded fantastic. I have a C.Rex in my DRRI and no reason to change, but if I do, the Warehouse will be a top consideration.
I can see a part 2 in the future...
Zac, this was such a great and extremely valuable episode. Thank you for making it.
I went though many speakers for my 65 Deluxe reverb, including many mentioned here. Best I found was the Jupiter 12LC with the paper VC, as you mentioned. That is, until I found a ‘60’s Jensen C12N. For me, the extra midrangey soeaker felt like they were fighting the amps natural voicing. The Jensen let’s that scooped sound just naturally breathe. As Uncle Larry says, the best sound is to pair a DR with a Tweed Deluxe and they fill in the frequencies the other is missing.
I’ve got a 30w super clean 2x6L6 amp and having had all usual suspects: V30, Greenback, C12K, C12N, P12N, C-Rex, WGS Blackbird Alnico and Eminence Alessandro GA-SC64, the one which I have settled on is: Celestion G12-65 Heritage. My amp can get very glassy/trebly, so the Alessandro just brings more of that to the table, in my ear’s opinion. The Celestion just fits in perfectly. With it, my speaker quest (which I’ve very enjoyed) came to an end.
I have a Cannabis Rex in my original 1965 Deluxe Reverb and it’s absolutely the perfect speaker for me.
Speakers in a DRRI: I thought it was just me! My 1993 example came with a Weber C12N (not a speaker I can find since, presumably a Jensen clone?). I joined a blues band a few years ago, wanting a warmer tone, and followed your advice, fitting a Celestion V30, great all-round tones! But my amp has always sounded bright (despite bright cap being clipped etc.) so, being mainly a single-coil player, I've fitted a WGS G12C/S which has made a further difference. Will see how it goes, only immediate downside is maybe it sounds a tad muddy with humbuckers. But the amp now produces warmer tones at low volumes, retaing the Fender chime to a large extent.
It’s so interesting in that speaker choice is one of those really subjective things - I had a Vintage 30 in a Deluxe and never liked it, yet it was the top choice here. My pick would be the Cannabis Rex (when I switched out the V30 for that I was shocked & delighted at the difference it made). But different strokes for different folks… thanks for the video, enjoyed it.
lol, I found the c rex way too dark.
But ran it in a PR.
May have to try it in the deluxe
More mids in cannabis rex
No love for the Weber 12F150? I put one in my 64 DR to preserve the original speaker. Been gigging with it for over 10 years. Sounds wonderful.
I have one in my 66 DR. Love it
Yup... the Webers are SO great... I have one of those in one of mine.... great!
12F150 is my favorite as well, by a good bit
I have to agree.
Yes, changed my DR Reissue (from around 2000) to the Weber 12F150 and it transformed the amp and has sounded fantastic ever since.
Incredible session Zac! I have never seen a more thorough review of speakers for any amp. I love how you got the opinions of so many great players that actually use specific speakers in their deluxe reverbs. This is a masterclass in how to make a video about speaker comparisons. Way to go!
LOVED this….no surprise 😊
Ha!
Fantastic upload Zac, appreciate you taking the time to make the list and upload it.
The best speaker I have found for my Deluxe is a Mesa 90 watt 12 inch. I believe it is privately labeled for Mesa by Celestion but it has the perfect amount of highs/lows and can hold up to any amount of volume you want to throw at it with pedals. Best ever in my opinion. Not sure if they are still made but you can gig them forever and never have a worry.
WOW! I just covered that under "Tonetwisters"! Got one in my DR and it sounds incredible!!
I have a C90 in my Mesa/Boogie Electra Dyne 1x12 combo. It sounds amazing. It's my favorite amp. It's also my heaviest amp. Deluxe Reverb is second favorite, or if I'm playing clean it's unbeatable. I still have the stock Jensen 100 watt speaker in my DRRi.
This video is so timely for me as I’m looking for replacement speaker for the deluxe and I have heard Kenny Vaughns choice before , which is why I was going to choose now I’m reevaluating! Thank you!
I selected the second as best sounding, the first as second best, and the third as 3rd - in every example. What stood out for me was the clarity and balance compared to the other two.
Those et65 sound great!!!
I liked the tone of road worn vintage Jensen P12N in my BF DR. So I found another and put it in my Magic Vibro Prince. The watt and cabinet size definitely makes a difference. And the BF DR has an amazing chimey texture at lower volumes.
The original oxford 12k 5-6. Period. I have a couple that I use in a 65 deluxe non reverb and that original speaker takes the cake imo. Great vid Zack!
Thank you for this comparison. I agree the warehouse sounds the most dynamic to my ear. Many thanks
I recently put an ET65 in my 70s Deluxe Reverb, rotating out a WGS G12C/S. My take on the difference is that the ET65 has a tighter and clearer tone, but still warm. When I hit the low E it just jumps out, and is wonderful. My friend described it as "girthy". Style: Twangy country with light strings on a Tele.
My two choices are the ET65 and the WGS C/S. You prefer the ET65?
I’m a Jensen fan, and I especially like the LMI or “Lifetime” series. They came in 10’s, 12’s and 15’s and I think they were originally designed as a bass speaker. The have a bell cover over the magnet and crinkly blue-grey paint.
They have that feathery Jensen sound mixed with the bell-like tones of a Celestion. When I overdrive my 65 Deluxe Reverb the tone is incredible. It helps that the bias on the amp is set up higher than the factory specs.
Excellent Princeton to Deluxe cabinet size explanation to inform speaker selection. The referencing of acoustic guitar body size.is brilliant. This is true regardless of playing style.
Great video! I loved the Alessandro in these clips. For anyone interested in Vintage 30’s check out Austin speaker works. I came across a vintage 30 that they “retoned” and I replaced the original vintage 30 in a divided by 13 amp with the ASW and it just sounds that little bit nicer all around. Really smooth sounding, which is how I would’ve described the Alessandro in these clips.
I have a Fender Custom 64 Deluxe. I swapped out the stock Jensen with an Eminence GA-SC64 and it is wonderful. I did think about the Jupiter 50 watt Ceramic but I am happy with the choice. Very classic Fender sound!
I learned a lot in this episode. The reason I always enjoy your show.
Just bought a used DRRI that came with an Eminence fender branded speaker . Swapped in a Webber California with the metal dust cap. It's not a JBL120 but it sure is close and brand new . Loving it. Great episode.
Ted Weber believed that a 3" voice coil sounded better than the JBL 4".
Awesome video. I would have expected to like the George A the best, but clearly favored the 65 in the shootout. Eye opening!
I’m a sucker for a speaker that isn’t too loud, but isn’t weak or thin sounding. Jensen Blackbird 40 is incredible, like a modern tweaked P12Q AlNiCo. Silverbird is the ceramic version, and it is no slouch! ToneSpeak seems to have the best speakers for Deluxes if you want high efficiency- the Austin is like a more sensitive/tighter evolution of the Alessandro, and the New Orleans is a a tighter/more articulate evolution of the Cannabis Rex. I say evolution just because not only are they improved, but designed by the same man who designed the C-Rex & GASC64. The guy used to work for Eminence, and later started ToneSpeak. Really killer stuff! I loved this video, I’ve done a couple dozen speaker swaps in the past few years. Currently running a Jensen Silverbird 12 in one deluxe, and the other has a Jensen C12Q. So many great speakers out there these days.
Zac, as always really enjoyed the episode. All the speakers are great. I like the Vintage 30 but replaced it in my 66 Deluxe with the Celestion G12 Neo Creamback to reduce the weight. Much less stress on the old back. Lonnie Stout
Eat beef - be actually stout.
Stay away from potatoes and bread.
Wild salmon is stoutest. Cows cant swimm 600 milrs upstream and we is what we eat.
The neo is great and light
Interesting comparison. I liked the Allesandro, with the Celestion a close second.
I’ve been a Private Jack guy for years, to me it’s the best thing I’ve ever use in a Deluxe
Those are killer speakers!!
I sold my ‘65 Deluxe years ago, but I’m very happy with my Jensen C12N reissue in my Line 6 Catalyst cx 60. I think they’re really underrated.
I have a G12 in mine. Sounds just right to me. However, after hearing all 3 of these I can see why someone might like any of them. Great episode Zac!
I've tried a made in UK Vintage 30, a Jensen C12Q, a Fender (Eminence) 100 Watt and a Carvin (Eminence) GT12-8. Recently I made a 10" baffle board that attaches to the original baffle using the 8 studs and installed a Jensen MOD 10-50 speaker. The cabinet dimensions of the Deluxe Reverb seems perfect for a 10". None of the lows are lost, and the amp is considerably lighter than with a big magnet 12". If more volume is needed, I have an external 2 x 10" cab with Weber 10A125 alnico's. Kind of like a low watt Vibrolux Reverb.
I put a Cannabis Rex in my '68 DR and just love it!
68 original or CDR 68?
I put a Weber 60w in my blues Junior it’s terrific
Love the Eminence GA-SC64
I’ve never owned a Deluxe Reverb. I did own a Blues Jr and it came with a Jenson C 12N speaker and it always sounded wonderful to me. I realize they are different amps. Anyway, I gave it to a friend as a Christmas gift so I get to play it every once in a while and it still sounds great. I always enjoy your video Zac!
Great episode! I’d like to hear an ET65.
I've owned a BF Deluxe Reverb for years. Bought it back when you didn't have to sell a kidney to get one! I bet I have spent almost as much on speakers as I did on the amp. Put an Eminence Cannabis Rex in and never looked back. Great video.
All sound great, I probably would say the Alessandro then the wgs were my favorites. I have the handwired 64 reissue and like the stock Jensen.
I put a heavy JBL inside my 65 Deluxe Reissue .
I have a Fender Custom Deluxe ‘68 RI and I love the Celestion Creamback G12H-75 that I put in it. My favorite after trying out quite a few different ones.
Eminence JS1250 is an unsung hero for the deelux.
The WGS sounded fuller on the low end than the other two, a bit more smokey. I liked the Alessandro there the most, which surprised me, because in my DRRI speaker shootout, the Alessandro came in 2nd to a Celestion Gold - just a wonderful speaker. Try one if you get a chance, you may not come back ;) I have a Laney Cub 10 (6v6 version) and I stuffed a Celestion Gold 10 into that thing - I call it my Baby Deluxe - it holds its own.
I really liked the ET65!
Outstanding vid. I have a Vintage Sound MVP 40. A 40 watt Ab 763 amp that came with a WGS C12c. When gigging I find that speaker to be too ice picky. Almost hard on the ears. I've been looking for a replacement and I think I'm going to go with the WGS ET65. Thank you!
There's so many really good 12" speakers we can choose from now. It's almost hard to go wrong.
The Jupiter 12LC-P and M12C-P get my vote for the most "vintage" sounding. All the rest are great though.
I have a Weber 12A125A Alnico. 30 watt. Perfect! An extension cabinet with a 50 watt Jensen Alnico that sounds great as well.
Another great video Zac. The difference in the speakers was probably more obvious in the room before the UA-cam compression, but it was still audible, especially on the neck pickup. When I was at Guitar One, Eminence sent over two 4x12 cabinets with 8 different 12-inch models in them, along with a clunky switching system that looked like it was from the 40s. Using the same head, the difference between the models was like playing through a new amp each time; it was revelatory. Before buying a new amp, definitely try changing the speaker. Also kudos for mentioning the part the size of the cabinet plays. When I worked at Rudy’s we plugged a boxy Seymour Duncan combo into a Jim Kelly’s more deluxe shaped cabinet and the improvement was massive.
The 3 speakers were actually not incredibly far apart. Not like going GB to V30 or a JBL. Cabs are so important
I’ve had quite a few speakers in my Deluxe Reverb. The Jensen c12K, ET-65, Alnico Blue, EV 12 (vintage), creamback, and finally the Allesandro. The Allesandro is the best to my ears. Second best is the EV. They are honestly close, but the EV is a little more harsh.
I’ve tried all the speakers mentioned but settled on a ‘59 Jensen P12N organ pull. Second place is a Weber 12A125 which is Weber’s Jensen P12Q clone. While it’s absolutely true Fender didn’t install Jensen speakers in the Blackface era what most people don’t know today is there has been a long standing “tradition” of installing organ pull ‘50s Jensens into the ‘60’s Blackface era amps.
The original Oxford 12k5-6 in my 64 DR sounds awesome. Like you mention, they’re not rated for high wattage and thus have a tendency to blow. As a result I decided to box mine up and instead use a Jupiter 12-LA, which I’ve loved.
A British blues man recommended a Weber British Blues Dog with pre rolla. I had no idea what to expect. I'm primarily a slide player. Amp sounds great. A simple distortion pedal, MXR distortion 3, allows some nice adjustment to the "sweetness". My only pedal.
The Eminence GA series is my go to speakers. Great in low and high volume. Not too toppy, not muddy, solid bass.
And also..sounds like a slightly better alnico. None of the drawbacks.
I know I'm just listening to a my crappy phone,but the first two seems the smoothest,the third sounds harsh thin. My vote is the first one..! Pex
I used a Jupiter 12LC on my Supersonic 60w and a Jupiter M12C on the Deluxe Reverb 65 and they will stay there for a long time!!
Jupiter is the correct answer for almost all applications. So overlooked
Jupiter and fat Jimmy are what I use in my Princeton' Deluxe and Vibrolux amps.
One speaker that surprised me in a deluxe was a classic lead 80. It's not one you hear of a whole lot but it was in a rebuilt 68 by Mike Kennedy of Komet amps.
@MrGibsn1960 Not surprising. My understanding is that speaker is very close to both the Mesa C90 (Black Shadow) and Two Rock’s 12-65b proprietary speaker. Great lineage, probably sounds killer in a Deluxe.
The "Zac" shirt is the most all-around speaker (flattest response) ... the other two have a little mid-range 'quack" that would work well for specialized requirements. Hopefully, I can keep this short ... I have a '77 DR in a MojoTone cab. It came to me with a Super Twin 12. I immediately put in a BF ToneClone OT from Magnetic Components. The amp sounded really good, thicker than most DR's. But I recently had all those '77 parts swapped out for Mallory vintage tone and coupling caps and silver micas. Also installed a Celestion 90 watt Black Shadow I had hanging around. Holy cow, the sound. More like what a DR is, very articulate and loud as all get out. Ordered a 5Y3 rectifier to see if I can put a little harmonic dirt into this little creature; but geez, it sounds great! And I've told Celestion to 8-hole their speakers ... they actually did it for most of their TENS. Weber is not to be ignored, especially their Legacy Alnico with a hemp cone! Well said, on those speaker cab sizes. Interesting show! (Mr. Five Watt World had a good idea, what?)
Wow! Timely. I have a Fender Deluxe Reverb II, in which I blew the original speaker. Don’t remember why, but the local shop replaced the speaker with a very heavy JBL. Changed the dynamic of the amp. Been daydreaming here lately, of putting something in, closer to the original. Thanks for giving me some options to listen to!
I have an 83 deluxe with channel switching and I put a WGS cannabis rex knock off in it, I love it
I put a JBL e120 in mine, and it's the best speaker I've ever heard.
With the aluminum dust cover? I just bought one of those, haven’t installed it, yet.
@HamzaJamzaFamza Yep. It isn't all that great for OD, at least with pedals, but I kinda prefer the more HiFi sound anyway. I find it sounds best with natural tube breakup versus pedal OD in the BF DR that I built.
This was great, Zak! Thanks for doing the shootout. Much appreciated. My favorite is in the cart about to get paid for right now!
Zac, thanks for a well balanced and interesting video.
I have a Limited Edition Fender 65 Princeton Reverb Knotty Pine. Came with a Celestion Alnico Cream (90w). Sounded great but then I tried a Jupiter 12LC and that stayed in that amp forever. Then I found another Knotty Pine Limited Edition so I tried the Allesandro 64. Wow. Sounds just great! When I compare, I feel like the Jupiter 12LC takes overdrive with more authority with its somewhat strong midrange. Lastly, I just connected the Allesandro GA64 to my Fender 64 Deluxe Reverb Handwired and WOW. LOVE IT! I have a very well broken in Jensen C12Q in that amp that is very classic sounding. But the GA64 took it another level. The Jupiter 12LC in the Deluxe changed the dynamic character that didn't work for me.
Anyone have experience with a Jensen Blackbird 100 in a DRRI? Thinking about trying it.
I tried the Blackbird 40, and it was the only thing I liked better than a Jensen P12Q. Blackbird 100 would be a lot smoother and more full and warm in the midrange. It would be top shelf for sure
Lots of great information in this episode! I’ve been trying for decades to find out the character variations in different speakers. I’ve never owned a Deluxe Reverb-I’m more of a Twin Reverb guy-but I’ve been considering a ToneMaster Deluxe Reverb. I’d probably bite the bullet and get the ToneMaster Twin. Somebody-I can’t remember who-makes a neodymium speaker that’s supposed to sound like an EVM12L-I wonder how that would sound in a Deluxe? I remember liking the sound of the EV SRO12s in a Twin that a friend of mine had in the late ‘60s-but that thing weighed about 90 pounds! The ToneMaster Deluxe with that neo speaker would make a nice lightweight amp, and with my lack of mobility these days, a Twin would probably be overkill for home use. Of course, the ToneMaster does have the attenuator, and the Deluxe doesn’t have a midrange control, which I’m used to having. I guess I’ll have to take a Tele to a Fender dealer and try one for myself! I have determined from watching demos online that I prefer the sound of the black ToneMasters to the blonde ones, in both the Twin and Deluxe formats. So many options…maybe I shoud just get a Quilter Mach III and have done with it!
Pretty happy I bought a ET65 today, before this video, cause it sounded great. Have used the GA64 for a long time. Its good, but aways it like “something” is lacking. Pretty sure its “chime”. Great video
It’s the green shirt speaker for me, out of the three. My Carr Rambler has an Eminence built Jensen N (?) Blue label. Good and interesting show! Thx, my friend!
My late '66 Deluxe Reverb has a vintage Jensen C12N-A--with a 1966 date code, which sounds really great. But to preserve it and to be able to push the amp a bit harder I put in a Jupiter 12LC-P and its a nearly identical sound!
As a big fan of 80s LA studio guitarists... Ive been interested in trying an Altec 417 8H or an EV or JBL from that era.
I really like the sound of that ET65, and they are quite affordable too.
Speaker swapping is the best bang for the buck in changing the sound of an amp.
Great demo!
My favorites were 1-3-2. I really wanted to like the Alessandro (2) But it sounded a little compressed and less chime. I have the Eminence, red, white, and blues in my Deluxe, replacing the original speaker. I wanted to tame the highs but have since clip the bright cap. Still pretty satisfied with the RWB. My Princeton came with the Cannabis Rex and it sounds great.
i didnt like it either with my '65
Great Video! I have a Deluxe Reverb Reissue. I am using the GASC40 which is great. I used to use a vintage 30, G12h30, WGS G12C/S but the reissues didnt really have the vintage scoop like the old ones. The GASC40 is my choice for the reissues. I still have the Vintage 30 if i ever get the chance to purchase an old one.
The ET65 is a solid choice, but I’m surprised no one suggested the eminence swamp thang, I’ve installed them in many deluxe reverbs over the years, I’ve owned The Alessandro speaker and couldn’t stand it lol
Thanks. I acquired a near mint black face Deluxe Reverb a few years ago. It came with a 70’s installed Altec Lansing. I had an impossible job of choosing a replacement speaker for it. I wish I had this available then.
Cannabis Rex in my 57 tweed. I wasn't too cork-sniffy when I decided to try it. I have the original that had been reconed and it was too ratty. The eminence speaker was an improvement over that and I've stuck with it. I have some other cabinets with other speakers and I find a green back to be pretty good in a bigger cabinet but a bit strong on the mids in the smaller cabinets. I also have a 16 ohm Cannabis Rex and a Warehouse Green Beret in a fender 2x12 cabinet for a blend of mids an more mellow. 8 ohms is a little more versatile.
I have the WGS Veteran 30 in my 1965 Deluxe (non-reverb) and it sounds great!
Got the WGS in my 65 Deluxe. Lyle at Psionic Audio put me on to it. Never looked back!
This is easy and just like any of my amps and the answer is..whatever sounds good to you! That’s what is the most important. Trial and error until you find what is good to your ears!🤘
Great episode. Love the GA in my 68 DRRI. Compared to the stock Celestion it came with it has better definition and is slighty tigher on the bottom end.
I built a solid pine cab for a pair of Celestion G10N-40 at 4ohm-80w for my Champ which is also awesome for a Deluxe.
Good stuff, thanks Zac! Louis Rosano (Louis Electric) also favors the Jupiter 12 in his Blackface famps, like some of your mentioned players.
Was screaming black shirt, black shirt…
All three tones sound great.
Shocked how many like the c-rex, have not ran It in a my deluxe , but in the PR, it was way way too dark for me.
The ga64 runs in my PR, so I think I have a bias for the black shirt?
My deluxe runs a Weber California, paper dust cap, but really don’t use that amp as much as the PR.
Thank you Zac, a wealth of knowledge here.
Many things to try in the DR.
Fabulous episode thank you Zak really learned a lot
I’ve put the original Utah/Pyle speaker back into my original 1965 Deluxe Reverb… after trying the Celestion Alnico Cream.
I found the Celestion too wooly for a Strat or Tele… I prefer the ‘edginess’ of the old Utah.
If I do change again… I’m going for a Warehouse speaker - as they sound wonderful in my ‘66 Pro Reverb
WGS, Weber, Eminence, Celestion, Jupiter, (only if it's made in Chicago Jensen), and my personal favorite, a vintage Carboneau. Old Truetones are nice too. I am NOT a Vintage 30 fan. Carboneau was bought out by some guy named James Rockford before Rockford Fosgate, back when his company was called Precision Power International or PPI. They are like a very warm Altec Lansing.
My favorite speaker for Tele, Eminence GA-SC59 Alessandro Signature 12-inch, like it even more than the GA-SC64.
I put a Celestion G12H 30w speaker in my 65 DRRI. Sounds great.
I put a vintage 30 in my deluxe reverb per your advice and it definitely made it sound better to my ears louder more mids and huge sounding the jenson was fine but fenders in general with Celestion’s sound amazing